Every year I take a look at where I am. What skills have I learned? What new experiences have I had? How have I improved my strengths? Am I managing my career growth and my own leadership development?

Taking stock, learning who I was as a Leader, started with taking several different assessments. One of my favorites was one that outlined my Thinking Style, my Behavioral Traits and my Occupational Interests. Another favorite is the one offered when by in the book, Now, Discover Your Strengths.

I love the insights that these assessments give me in what areas I have greater strengths than others. I love the confirmation of what I already know about myself and the validation these tools provide that keep me focused on building on what I am already good at.

Jim Collins, well known author, Good to Great, writes that hiring the right people and matching them to the right jobs is one of the most essential elements to creating a great company. He states: “The executives who ignited the transformations from good to great did not first figure out where to drive the bus and then get people to take it there. No, they first got the right people on the bus (and the wrong people off the bus) and then figured out where to drive it.”

Work is easier, you are more productive, there is less stress when you are in the right job. To own your career, to develop your skills, I believe it is your responsibility to know what you do well, what experiences you have had and what experiences will help you round out your leadership. As a leader, you should begin to get the right people on the bus by beginning to find the right seat for yourself.

I encourage you to take an assessment for yourself. Know where you are now, so you can begin to plan where you want to go, what strengths you want to build and what experiences you want to seek out.